Gigabyte M27Q X Gaming Monitor Review

Highlights

The Gigabyte M27Q X offers a budget-friendly 1440p resolution with a fast 240Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming and exceptional visuals.
While lacking in design appeal, the monitor excels in connectivity with a built-in KVM switch, dual HDMI 2.0 ports, and USB-C compatibility.
With excellent color accuracy, versatile features like FreeSync/G-SYNC, and a reasonable price tag, the M27Q X is a top choice for gamers.

As someone who has spent countless hours gaming and creating content, I can confidently say that the Gigabyte M27Q X monitor is a game-changer for budget-conscious individuals like myself. Having tested and reviewed various monitors over the years, I have come to appreciate the balance of performance and affordability that this monitor offers.

In the world of budget gaming monitors, gamers often face a dilemma: opt for a 1080p panel with a fast 240Hz refresh rate or go for a higher 1440p resolution and settle for a slower 144Hz. Most mid-range gaming monitors fall into these two categories. However, Gigabyte offers an alternative with the M27Q X. This affordable monitor boasts a QHD (Quad High Definition) resolution along with an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, making it a standout option in the budget gaming monitor market.

Put simply, this monitor provides an optimal experience with its top-tier features compactly housed in a 27-inch gamer-friendly screen. As an added bonus, it comes equipped with a built-in KVM switch. At under $400, the monitor appears to be an excellent value on paper. However, does it truly live up to expectations?

For the past few weeks, we subjected our review device to heavy use and various tests, including running numerous games and other tasks, to determine if it deserves a place in your home office. Now, let’s dive into the specifics.

Design and Features: Functional To Say The Least

From the get-go, the M27Q X won’t impress with its appearance. Its minimalistic design borders on being too simplistic due to its fairly large bezels. The V-shaped stand is robust and includes a straightforward cable routing hole. However, it falls short in concealing cable clutter compared to most monitors. Despite having an entirely plastic construction that seems inexpensive, the monitor’s build quality is commendably strong and durable.

The monitor’s ergonomic features left us underwhelmed. The tilt range is not extensive, and adjusting the height can be a bumpy process. Worsening the situation is the lack of swivel function, meaning you must manually lift and turn the entire monitor to find a comfortable viewing angle. Sadly, the stand does not support portrait rotation, although this is an uncommon requirement for most gamers. However, you have the option to purchase a VESA stand or arm, as the M27Q X is compatible with VESA 100 x 100mm mounts.

Turning over to the back, you’ll find a joystick located on the right side of the monitor’s rear panel. This joystick is used for navigating the menu on the screen. Additionally, there’s a KVM switch situated above it, enabling users to toggle between two connected devices. It’s important to mention that the joystick has a rather weak build quality. However, you can download the Gigabyte Control Center app and install the Gigabyte OSD Sidekick module for easier monitor control using your keyboard and mouse.

Connectivity Options: KVM Steals The Show

The M27Q X offers impressive connectivity features. It boasts two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4, along with several USB 3.0 ports suitable for KVM use. Although it doesn’t have HDMI 2.1, which may be desired by next-gen console users, most PC gamers can still find this monitor an attractive option.

An notable feature of the M27Q X is the integrated KVM switch, ideal for gamers who need a secondary device for work or additional tasks. Just plug in the peripherals to the USB 3.0 ports, and you’re good to go. The primary device connects through the upstream port, while the second one attaches to the monitor using the USB Type-C port. However, it’s important to mention that the M27Q X only delivers USB Power Delivery up to 18W. As a result, you’ll need to keep your secondary device plugged into an electrical outlet for power.

Additionally, the monitor offers the productivity boost of featuring Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) capabilities. This is particularly useful for simultaneously comparing desktops or engaging in a game on the larger monitor, while attending to a work call on a smaller screen.

Performance: Fast Visuals With Exceptional Details

In terms of delivering excellent gaming performance, the Gigabyte M27Q X really stands out. With its QHD resolution and swift 240Hz refresh rate, images appear clear and detailed, and the visuals remain fluid and crisp. The vibrant colors and high refresh rate contribute to a smoother motion, an essential feature for competitive gaming.

In popular games such as Valorant, Apex Legends, and XDefiant, a monitor performs excellently. Additionally, it prevents screen tearing during high-refresh-rate gameplay by offering AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC technologies. However, having a top-tier graphics card is essential to run the games smoothly at higher refresh rates.

A Gigabyte software comes with extra perks such as a dashboard displaying current hardware data like CPU voltages, clock speeds, and temperatures in real time. As it functions as an overlay, this feature remains visible even during gameplay without interference. Furthermore, there’s an option to customize crosshair overlays for enhanced performance, particularly beneficial in first-person shooting games.

From my perspective as a fan, I’m really impressed with the color performance of this Gigabyte monitor. The panel boasts an impressive 94% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is simply fantastic for a gaming display. Add to that the 1440p resolution, and you’ve got a winning combination for content creation and media consumption. Furthermore, with VESA HDR400 support, visual quality takes a significant leap forward. HDR-enabled games and content come alive with improved contrast and brightness levels.

Despite offering HDR support, this monitor has a relatively low contrast level. This might not pose a problem for avid gamers taking advantage of its impressive 240Hz refresh rate. However, movie and TV show enthusiasts may find the viewing experience less than satisfactory. Moreover, while the monitor comes with built-in dual 2W speakers, their sound quality leaves room for improvement. To enhance your listening experience, it is advisable to invest in a high-quality speaker setup for your workspace.

Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Champion

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the Gigabyte M27Q X monitor is a game-changer for me. Its ability to deliver a stunning 1440p resolution at an impressive 240Hz refresh rate is simply breathtaking. I’ve spent countless hours playing competitive games on subpar monitors, longing for the smooth, tear-free experience that this monitor provides.

Although the Gigabyte M27Q X monitor doesn’t have top-of-the-line HDR capabilities and its HDMI ports are not the most recent versions, these shortcomings are just small issues given its affordable price. In summary, this monitor is an excellent option for budget-minded gamers seeking fast refresh rates and impressive visuals. Be it for competitive gaming or simply appreciating stunning graphics, the M27Q X is a reliable choice that won’t put a significant dent in your wallet.

FAQ

Q: Are Gigabyte monitors good for gaming?

Gigabyte monitors are ideal for gaming due to their superior specifications. These monitors boast fast refresh rates and quick response times, ensuring seamless gameplay and reducing lag. Furthermore, advanced technologies such as FreeSync Premium guarantee a stutter-free and tear-free experience, enhancing immersion in games. IPS panels used in these monitors deliver rich colors and expansive viewing angles for an enriching visual experience. Additionally, Gigabyte equips these monitors with gamer-focused features like customizable display overlays and crosshairs to cater to specific gaming needs.

Q: Is 144Hz enough for FPS games or is 240Hz better?

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that playing First Person Shooter (FPS) games on a 144Hz monitor feels great, offering smoother gameplay and a noticeable improvement over the standard 60Hz. However, if you’re aiming for the ultimate competitive edge, consider upgrading to a 240Hz monitor. With its faster refresh rate, input lag is significantly reduced, allowing for more precise reactions and split-second decision making that could make all the difference in high-stakes gaming situations.

Q: Are IPS panels still good for gaming, or should I get OLED?

When it comes to gaming, IPS (Individual Pixel Shifting) panels continue to deliver impressive results, boasting superb color accuracy, expansive viewing angles, and swift response times. On the other hand, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) panels take things a step further by providing superior color contrast, stunningly deep blacks, and frequently quicker response times. If your budget permits and you value visual quality and contrast above all else, then OLED is the way to go. Nonetheless, IPS remains an excellent and more economical choice, delivering fast response times along with good color accuracy, which outperforms VA panels in this regard.

2024-07-18 01:06